This film publicity image released by CBS Films shows Aubrey Plaza as Brandy Klark, left, and Alia Shawkat as Fiona in a scene from 'The To Do List.' (AP Photo/CBS Films, Bonnie Osborne)

Written by

Justin Lowe
The Hollywood Reporter

Coming of age comedies are fraught with seemingly limitless pitfalls, necessitating a well-honed screenplay and persuasive performances to assure audience allegiance. So with consistently entertaining characters and infectious humor, writer-director Maggie Carey's "The To Do List" delivers well above expectations.

Even as 1993 valedictorian of her Boise high school class, mathlete Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza) can't escape the ridicule of many classmates for her goody-good image and lack of worldliness. Facing her first year in university as a virginal freshman, Brandy decides ...